The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home was established 45 years ago in the copper country. And was one of the first shelters to receive public funding in Michigan. Despite the public support, and some grant funding Executive Director Mary Niemala can find, there’s still gaps to fill. And in the wake of policy changes, and decisions made outside of the region, Niemala says domestic violence shelters and service providers need help. Now it’s more than ever.
It might not help them directly because they may not have ever had anybody that they know of or use themselves, the shelter or maybe omega house or little brothers or whatever, but people still give to those agencies because they know of the importance in the community that it has. Know, and us, we’ve been there for 45 years. You know, we celebrated our 45th anniversary in may of being A funded shelter. So the state has believed in us for 45 years. So when you have that kind of back background, then people know that they’re investing in something that’s going to stay. – Mary Niemala, Executive Director, Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home
BKG shelter will join Copper Shores and many non-profits taking part in Giving Tuesday, 2025. Niemela adds the fundraiser’s ability to provide unrestricted funds helps non-profits like the shelter; support hidden costs to work they do. She says in domestic violence services those costs might include re-ordering A client’s medication, or small replacement projects around the home, and even making sure the shelter fridge stays fully stocked for residents in need. Copper Shores will open the Giving Tuesday Donation Portal later this month. Learn more about Giving Tuesday 2025 online.
